Rear Left Suspension Bucking

[xantia_v6]

The cleaper sphere options may have older diaphragm technology that does not have the same service life.

[FlyMike_88]

It doesn't help that some parts depts are shut due to COVID, struggling to find the correct part as those part numbers:

Rear Corners:
OEM Original Part: 1638045680 £143.18
Cheaper Version: 1638376880 £54.90

The closest I can find is this part that looks right and apparently fits my car? https://www.onlinecarparts.co.uk/suplex-10190726.html

Or

https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/121498365737?c ... VjEALw_wcB

There seems to be many different versions of these spheres it's mind boggling

Thanks, Mike

[Y Cymro]

Hi Marc
You’re like the CIA with your knowledge of our cars

Hi Steve, sut mae’n mynd? I always like a bit of Cash In Advance"

The expensive ones are the brand new originals as fitted to the car at new. They should provide a long service life.

The cheaper ones are supplied by Eurorepar - these are re-used units, hence the cheaper price. But don't ask me what the quality is like or what they actually do to them - whether they just re-gas them or whether they repair or replace the diaphragms I can't say, but Eurorepar are used by PSA to provide lower cost parts for older cars.

Sut mae mêt? All good here, hope you and yours are too.
That’s interesting about the spheres, and without hijacking Mike’s thread (It may be helpful for future forum searches to find more about this in one thread), my ride quality has slowly but progressively been getting worse for the past year, though not as bead as Mike describes for his car. Mine’s just lost that lovely, fluid ride it had when a I bought it (now on 85k miles). Bouncing on each of the four wings makes that corner move up and down though the OSF is a little stiffer than the nearside. Perhaps Ill wait for it to get even worse to point me in the right direction!

Cheers
Steve

[Y Cymro]

Eurorepar was set up by PSA in 2003. Parts are new, and warranted for 2 years.
Full details if you google 'Eurorepar - Groupe PSA'.
Mister Auto is another PSA subsidiary, also involved in aftermarket multi-marque parts supply.

Thanks Chris, that’s good to know.
Steve

[Y Cymro]

Evening all,

I'll try and describe this as best I can!

My C5 X7 Exclusive Tourer (83k miles 59 plate) rides very well on the motorway and over slowly undulating roads, soaks them up like no other car I have owned. When I slow down and go over a speed bump or similar bump in the road, I can feel the rear left of the car almost buck. That side goes completely firm and I can feel it in the car. I'm going to get it up on the jack tomorrow but any initial thoughts on where to be looking?

The car raises and lowers seemly okay when operated with the buttons.

I've read a little about checking the height correction adjuster and possibly changing the sphere on that side?

Thanks for all the help so far by the way, very useful resource this forum!

Mike

Mike, my ride quality sounds similar to yours, and I’ve noticed it getting progressively worse over the past 12 months or so. How long have you noticed yours getting worse, or did it just appear instantaneously as a problem?

Can you bounce the car on the four corners (like when testing the dampers on a conventionally spring car) , and does one appear harder than the others?

Steve

[FlyMike_88]

I've only had the car for a month but I noticed it almost straight away. If I go over a speed bump, the front is nice and smooth as is the rear OS. When the rear NS goes over the bump, it stiffens right up and puts the car all out of balance and upsetting the ride. I'm almost certain the sphere has gone on the rear NS.

Each corner bounces smoothly when I put weight on them stationary (engine running), it seems to be only when the suspension is asked to absorb at a quicker rate (if you know what I mean).

Thanks, Mike

[white exec]

A rear corner sphere down on gas pressure will jump/bounce over a sudden lump.
A sphere of the wrong type (eg one with much tighter damping/smaller damping orifice) could also react badly to a sudden change in road surface.

[Pug_XUD_KeenAmateur]

Swap the rear tyres one side to another before you do the Sphere, make sure its not tyre related first.

[FlyMike_88]

Hi all,

I am still have trouble narrowing down what part to order for the NSR Sphere. The part numbers 1638376880 and 1638045680 show up as the whole shock absorber when searched online?

Any help appreciated

Thanks, Mike

[Hell Razor5543]

In the past I have used AEP Direct when ordering spheres for my Xantia. I cannot say how good they are for C5 spheres, but I never had any issues with the spheres I ordered. I have no links to AEP Direct;

http://www.aepdirect.com/

If you do order parts from them, make sure to give the full vehicle details (so they can check you have ordered the right parts for YOUR vehicle), otherwise they will contact you for them, and this could add a delay to dispatch of the parts.

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi all,

I am still have trouble narrowing down what part to order for the NSR Sphere. The part numbers 1638376880 and 1638045680 show up as the whole shock absorber when searched online?

Any help appreciated

Thanks, Mike

Mike, I wouldn't recommend a used sphere to be honest. Searching scrappies may well bring up the strut too, as they are not always inclined to separate these (not only will this be difficult to do when they are off the car, but is messy). By the time you have managed to separate it (if you can), you will have no idea what condition it is in to be honest, plus the cost of LDS fluid when replacing it makes it a risky job if you have to do it again.

Best you get a new replacement and if I were you as you know it will be brand new.

[Hell Razor5543]

I would also (unless the cost is too prohibitive) replace both spheres at the same time. That way you know you will have a smooth, consistent ride across the 'axle'.

[Y Cymro]

B) If you don't have a kit, you can manually depressurise the front or rear axles independently, depending on the spheres you are replacing.

Disconnect the battery.
Raise the vehicle and support on axle stands, wheels free.

Depressurising the front axle	Depressurising the rear axle
Place a hose on the pressure release screw (1). Gradually unscrew the pressure release screw (1). Wait for the pressure in the hydraulic circuit to fall fully.	Place a hose on the pressure release screw (2). Gradually unscrew the pressure release screw (2). Wait for the pressure in the hydraulic circuit to fall fully.

You will loose fluid, so don't re-use any reclaimed LDS that comes out, so make sure you have sufficient new LDS fluid to hand.

BSI Reset / Battery Disconnect / Reconnect Procedure

I’ve ordered a couple of new front spheres which should arrive tomorrow. I don’t have Lexia so will use the above procedure shared by Marc (Thanks Marc).

How to remove the existing sphere? Is a special tool required or could I use an oil filter removal chain wrench, or a big Stilton wrench perhaps?
Also, is there an O ring seal fitted so I can buy new ones before starting?

Thanks

[GiveMeABreak]

Hi Steve. You will require a new large o ring seal - these usually come with the original spheres, but if you getting another brand, you'll need to check. As for removal, yes a similar sort of tool to a chain wrench, but as the shape is saucer;like, it may have some problems staying on. I think Elis put something between the sphere body and the wrench to give the chain a bit of grip and to stop it slipping.

[Y Cymro]

Hi Steve. You will require a new large o ring seal - these usually come with the original spheres, but if you getting another brand, you'll need to check. As for removal, yes a similar sort of tool to a chain wrench, but as the shape is saucer;like, it may have some problems staying on. I think Elis put something between the sphere body and the wrench to give the chain a bit of grip and to stop it slipping.

Thanks Marc
Will give it a go over the weekend.